CVE-2026-88033 in Java Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2026
Improper neutralization of special elements in data query logic in the GridFS component of the MongoDB Java Driver can cause a caller-supplied structured file identifier to be interpreted as a query condition rather than as a literal identifier. An authenticated user who can influence the identifier passed by an affected application may obtain stored file content beyond the intended target or cause all GridFS file chunks in the affected bucket to be removed, rendering stored file content unreadable. The affected rename operation may also rename a stored file other than the intended target.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2026
The vulnerability identified involves improper neutralization of special elements within data query logic, specifically affecting the GridFS component of the MongoDB Java Driver. This flaw represents a classic instance of NoSQL injection, where user-supplied input is not adequately sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. In this context, the GridFS subsystem relies on structured file identifiers to locate and manipulate stored files. When an application passes a caller-supplied identifier without proper validation or escaping, the driver may interpret special characters within that string as query operators rather than literal data values. This misinterpretation fundamentally alters the semantics of the database operation, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary conditions into the query logic. The root cause lies in the failure to distinguish between structural query syntax and raw data input, a critical security oversight when handling dynamic identifiers in document-oriented databases like MongoDB.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for both unauthorized data access and destructive actions against stored content. An authenticated user who can influence the file identifier passed by an affected application may exploit this logic flaw to bypass intended access controls. By crafting a maliciously structured identifier, the attacker can modify the query condition such that it matches files beyond the originally targeted object. This results in the disclosure of sensitive information contained within other GridFS buckets or files that were not meant to be accessed by the current user context. The ability to read unintended file content constitutes a significant breach of confidentiality and data integrity, potentially exposing proprietary data, personal identifiable information, or system configurations depending on what is stored via GridFS.
Beyond unauthorized access, this vulnerability enables destructive actions that compromise the availability and integrity of stored files. Specifically, an attacker can manipulate the query logic to cause all file chunks within a targeted GridFS bucket to be removed. This action renders the associated stored file content unreadable and effectively destroys data without requiring elevated privileges beyond those needed for standard read or write operations on the specific collection. Furthermore, during rename operations, the flawed identifier interpretation may lead to the renaming of an unintended target file rather than the one specified by the legitimate application logic. This misdirection can cause significant operational disruptions, leading to confusion in file management systems and potential corruption of applications that rely on predictable file naming conventions or metadata associations.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-943 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command known as NoSQL Injection within the context of document databases. It also maps to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Data Manipulation and Unauthorized Access via API endpoints or client-side logic flaws. The attack vector typically involves authenticated users interacting with application interfaces that utilize the MongoDB Java Driver for GridFS operations, such as file uploads, downloads, renames, or deletions. Mitigation strategies must focus on strict input validation and parameterization of database queries. Developers should ensure that all identifiers passed to GridFS methods are validated against expected formats, rejecting any input containing special characters that could be interpreted as query operators unless explicitly intended for complex querying scenarios which require careful sanitization. Additionally, employing least-privilege principles for application service accounts can limit the blast radius if such an injection occurs by restricting write or delete permissions where only read access is required.